Destinations

Features

Hotels

Tours

Saint Pauls House

Saint Pauls, a former rope factory, is a fine example of Birmingham’s new generation of small, boutique hotels. An air of relaxed style, bonhomie and independence chimes with a peaceful setting in the heart of the rejuventated Jewellery Quarter.

Location

8/10

Saint Pauls is five minutes’ stroll from the city’s buzzy Colmore Business District and central shopping areas but feels a peaceful world away. The hotel is situated in a tree-lined Georgian square opposite a Grade I-listed church – industrialists Matthew Boulton and James Watt worshipped here. About 40 per cent of British jewellery is still produced in this historic district. If you are after an engagement ring or a special gem, look no further.

Style & character

8/10

The hotel’s Georgian frontage hides a spacious interior where hipster Shoreditch collides with cool millennial Brum. There are nice design nods to the past, including the recurring motif of tools used in jewellery manufacture. The open-plan bar has distressed leather banquettes, school-style chairs, exposed brickwork and vast wooden floors. The sofa seats in the hotel reception, where old books hang on metal frames, have been cleverly fashioned with bus-seat fabric.

Service & facilities

7/10

The hotel is part of a busy bar/restaurant, but access to the bedrooms is via a security keycard and there is a dedicated guest reception. The hotel’s compact size – there are just 34 rooms – means it lacks the facilities associated with larger properties (fitness room, pool, spa etc) but that is part of the attraction of this urban bolt-hole. Reception is staffed 24/7 and onsite parking costs £12 per night.

Bar

Laundry

Restaurant

Room service

Wi-Fi

Rooms

6/10

Bedrooms are split over two upper floors and are compact but well set out, with rain showers in bathrooms, good bedding, plenty of pillows, Dualit coffee machines and complimentary refreshments (a beer, small bottle of Prosecco and mineral water). Room 207 overlooks the pretty square and has retro drop lighting, tongue-and-groove wall cladding – and a hot water bottle. Avoid using the room safe as it is possible to pick it up and walk out with it. Adjoining room noise may be an issue for light sleepers.

Over 7,500 tried, tested and recommended hotels

Your passport to a better trip

Food & drink

6/10

The restaurant follows the popular template of modern British dining: gin and tonic-cured trout; ale-braised beef; chargrilled tuna Niçoise; duo of duck breast and confit leg; plus salads, sharing boards and several vegetarian/gluten-free options (sea bream and potato rosti). There are average burgers (my bun was burned) and premium grill steaks (6oz fillet - £26).

Breakfast coffee is great and there is a good choice of hearty hot dishes (steak and eggs; huevos rancheros) including perfect poached eggs on toast with avocado and bacon. Good dining options nearby include Anderson’s, one of the city’s top steak restaurants, just 20 yards away.

Value for money

8/10

Double rooms from £79 in low season; and from £119 in high – very good for those seeking a non-chain, laid-back hotel experience. Breakfast (recommended) is £12 per person. Free WiFi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There are two rooms for guests with disabilities featuring wet rooms and easy access from the elevator.

Family-friendly?

Cots are available free of charge but no extra beds. There's also a children's menu.